Luncheons and Invitations
This is part of a series I've been wanting to do for a long time so I am
excited I am able to have Eugene do this for my blog. It is about
etiquette as was appropriate in the Victorian Era (1837–1901). During
that time, culturally there was a transition away from the rationalism
of the Georgian period and toward romanticism and mysticism with regard to religion, social values, and the arts. The era is popularly associated with the values of social restraint. What? Social restraint? What's that?!? So we move on....thank you for reading.
Love, George
Luncheons and Invitations
The formal luncheon which is less formidable than the formal dinner only differs from it in minor details. The most significant difference is that luncheons are generally given by and for woman. It's not unusual, however, to include an equal number of men on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, and their presence or absence may make other differences, as in the heartiness of the menu.
The word "lunch" is used much more often than "luncheon." Indeed, "luncheon" is rarely if ever spoken, but is written in books and is sometimes in third-person invitations. Although invitations may be telephoned and occasionally an engraved card is used for an elaborate luncheon, especially for one given in honor of a noted person, formal invitations to lunch are nearly always written in the first person and rarely sent out more than a week in advance. For instance:
If Mrs. Toplofty's luncheon were given in honor of somebody - Mrs. Eminent, for instance - the phrase "to meet Mrs. Eminent" would be added immediately after the hour. If it is a very large luncheon for which the engraved card might be used, "To meet Mrs. Eminent" is written across the top.
Categories: Etiquette
Tags: luncheon invitation card
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